Shloka 36
Within the Greatness of Guru-tīrtha: The Episode of Nahuṣa and Aśokasundarī
in the Cyavana account
त्वामृते सा वरारोहा पुरुषं नैव याचते । नहुषेण तयोक्तं तु श्रुत्वावधारितं वचः
tvāmṛte sā varārohā puruṣaṃ naiva yācate | nahuṣeṇa tayoktaṃ tu śrutvāvadhāritaṃ vacaḥ
تمہارے سوا وہ خوش کمر خاتون کسی مرد سے ہرگز مدد نہیں مانگتی۔ مگر نہوش نے اُن کی بات سن کر اُس کلام کو دل میں بٹھا لیا۔
Narrator (contextual; specific dialogue-speaker not identifiable from this single verse alone)
Concept: Single-pointed commitment (ananya-niṣṭhā) refuses distraction; overheard truth becomes karmic catalyst for the next action.
Application: Hold one clear priority and avoid scattering your intent; also be mindful that words carry consequences—what is spoken can set events in motion.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Aśokasundarī stands poised in dignified restraint, her gaze unwavering as she refuses all suitors ‘except you.’ In the shadows behind foliage, Nahusha listens—half-hidden—his face tightening as the overheard words lodge in his heart like an arrow of fate.","primary_figures":["Aśokasundarī","Nahusha","attendants/messengers (optional)"],"setting":"Forest edge near an āśrama path, with thick leaves creating concealment; a small clearing where the vow is spoken.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["silver moonlight","deep forest green","midnight blue","pale jasmine","muted gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Dramatic forest scene with Aśokasundarī in ornate attire yet austere posture, gold leaf accents on jewelry and halo-like aura, Nahusha partially concealed behind stylized foliage, embossed gold borders, rich greens and blues with theatrical contrast.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Moonlit grove with delicate trees and layered leaves, Aśokasundarī speaking with calm firmness, Nahusha peering from behind a trunk, subtle emotional expressions, cool palette and refined linework, lyrical night atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Bold outlines emphasize Aśokasundarī’s steadfast stance and Nahusha’s hidden listening, stylized forest motifs, strong red-yellow-green pigments balanced with dark blue night field, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Night grove framed by ornate floral borders, lotus and creeper motifs, peacocks perched in silhouette, central figure Aśokasundarī with devotional aura, Nahusha as a shadowed onlooker, deep blues with gold detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["night insects","rustling leaves","distant owl call","soft drum underscore"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्वामृते = त्वाम् + ऋते; नैव = न + एव; तयोक्तम् = तया + उक्तम्; श्रुत्वावधारितम् = श्रुत्वा + अवधारितम्।
FAQs
It highlights the woman’s exclusive reliance on a particular person (“except you”), and notes that Nahusha carefully listened to and internalized the words spoken in the exchange.
The verse names Nahusha as a listener who hears the conversation and mentally accepts or weighs what is said; the broader identification and episode details require adjacent verses.
It suggests attentive hearing followed by deliberate consideration—taking words seriously rather than reacting impulsively.